Cattle Baron’s ‘Kick It Up a Notch’ with wine fundraiser

Is it the emphasis on going green for the planet, or is it the gorgeous weather that makes us all reluctant to leave the out of doors? Whatever it is, let’s hear the raves.

The CATTLE BARON’S folks who raise lots and lots of money for the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY thought about the outdoor weather factor for, oh, maybe 10 seconds, before pronouncing that this is the ideal time for “Kickin’ It Up A Notch” and BERNHARDT WINERY is the ideal setting. It’s a fundraiser on April 26 that links a very good cause with a very good time in a relaxed outside venue, where resort casual is the preferred dress.

Months ago two of CATTLE BARON’S most dedicated fund raisers, KRISTEN SCHULTZ and LACEY SPIKES, agreed to be chairperson and co-chairperson, respectively, and now the party’s set to begin at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 26, and continue until 5 p.m. with JERRY and JERRI BERNHARDT hosting near the green vines of their grape fields.

“We realize that we are in a challenging economic situation, and in an effort to contain costs, made the decision to hold a wine event rather than the fashion show we’ve done in the past,” Kristen said. “This also gives Cattle Barons the opportunity to offer something new to all our many supporters.”

In addition to enjoying the fresh country air, attendees get an assortment of delectable hors d’ oeuvres contributed by three of the most popular restaurants in Montgomery County — WALDEN YACHT CLUB, DEBBY’S PRIME STEAK HOUSE and the ITALIAN GRILLE. Of course these tidbits blend perfectly with the six to eight wines that each guest gets to taste, courtesy of the Bernhardts.

But just wait until you hear KEVIN BLACK playing his distinctive brand of country Western music in the background. Is this picture becoming clearer?

Wine may also be purchased by the glass, or the curious may bottle their own 2009 Cattle Barons’ Wine for $50. “Kickin’ It Up A Notch” souvenir T-shirts that commemorate the experience will be sold for $15, and one lucky winner gets a wine dinner for eight from Bernhardt Winery. JEFF and KRISTEN SCHULTZ along with BARKLEY and LACEY SPIKES also are sponsoring this dinner which will be won through a raffle drawing at $10 per ticket.

Tickets to the three-hour party, including appetizers, wine tasting, winery tour and entertainment, cost $60 each, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Bernhardt’s Winery is located at 9043 County Road 204, near Plantersville. The number to call for tickets is (936) 521-9701, or visit Kristen.schultz@hcahealthcare.com.

STAGE RIGHT opened comedy “Southern Hospitality” at Conroe’s Crighton Theatre Friday eve. It’s set to run weekends through May 3, with some Sunday matinees. Call JIM BINGHAM at (936) 441-SHOW to reserve.

There’s almost as much going on backstage as there is in front of the foot lights. To wit, ADAM SWEENEY, who directed “Christmas Belles” in December, and was cast as young minister Justin Waverly in “Southern Hospitality,” received a job offer in Austin last week while rehearsals were fast and furious. With jobs as tough as they are to land, but mainly because he likes to eat, Adam felt compelled to drop from the show and accept the position.

However, JEREMY ANDERSON soon snapped up the role of Justin Waverly. He was in rehearsal for “Annie Get Your Gun” over at the Owen when one of the Crighton Players told him Stage Right was looking for a “young minister type.” After play practice at the Owen, Jeremy read for the Stage Right role, which he won. The dates don’t conflict since “Southern Hospitality” closes before “Annie Get Your Gun” opens. Just so long as Jeremy remembers which character he’s portraying at the moment.

“Jeremy learned his lines in two days,” said CAROLYN WONG, “and put the rest of us to shame.”

Crighton Players ROGER ORMISTON and MARCIA FELDT BATES are returning the favor by assisting Stage Right with some lighting tech work, also while working on “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Meanwhile, the CRIGHTON PLAYERS prepare that musical comedy for opening May 15 in downtown Conroe’s Owen Theatre. It will be the first major musical in the new venue. Director TRAVIS BRYANT chose the revised version of a 1998 revival, saying that it’s a fresh approach to a familiar show, yet retains all the original music. A love story between Tommy Keeler, a Native American knife thrower in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, and his assistant Winnie Tate has been revived in this version, after having been dropped from a 1960s production elsewhere.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is considered Irving Berlin’s masterpiece, where virtually every number is a standard classic. It runs weekends May 15 through June 6 at 8 p.m., with three 2 p.m. Sunday matinees.

For tickets, call (936) 539-4090 between 3 and 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. The Players promise to return all messages left on voice mail during off hours.

Do you have performing arts news? Contact Peggie at (936) 448-6455 or e-mail pegmillr@juno.com.